scholarly journals Ear Acupuncture in European Traditional Medicine

2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (s1) ◽  
pp. 13-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Gori ◽  
Fabio Firenzuoli

Auricular acupuncture is a diagnostic and treatment system based on normalizing the body's dysfunction through stimulation of definite points on the ear. Rudimentary forms of acupuncture which probably arose during the Stone Age have survived in many parts of the world right down to present day. It was used in the ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece and all the Mediterranean area. It is a microacupuncture technique similar to reflexology, and was first described in France in 1950 by Paul Nogier who is considered the Father of modern ear acupuncture. It was speculated that the technique works because groups of pluripotent cells contain information from the whole organism and create regional organization centers representing different parts of the body. Nevertheless stimulation of a reflex point in the ear seems relieve symptoms of distant pathologies. Modern research is confirming the efficacy of ear acupuncture for analgesia and anxiety related disease, while tobacco dependence and other substance abuse still need confirmation. Actually main methodological problems with auricular acupuncture are that exist too many maps with little agreement regarding point location in the ear, and that the correspondence or reflex systems does not correlated with modern knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

1979 ◽  
Vol 07 (03) ◽  
pp. 241-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshikatsu Kitade ◽  
Masayoshi Hyodo

Six ear acupuncture points, one non-acupuncture ear point, and the body locus Ho-Ku (LI-4) were electrically stimulated in order to compare the effects of stimulation on the body's pain threshold at selected loci on various points on the body by measurement with a radiation heat-type Pain Meter on 5 subjects. The ear points, with the exception of the non-acupuncture ear point, were found to be effective even in peripheral body regions in varying degrees. Ear stimulation did not increase the threshold as rapidly as Ho-Ku. In all cases where the pain threshold was raised, the effect persisted after electrical stimulation had stopped.


2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 149-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian White ◽  
Russell Moody

Introduction Auricular acupuncture is given as a treatment for drug dependence. Points are usually chosen on the assumption that the body is represented somatotopically in the ear, although there is no anatomical basis for this. In clinical trials, sham treatment is often given at points that are supposedly ‘incorrect’ for the condition, in the belief that they are inactive. The aim of this study was to explore whether there is any difference in the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture at ‘correct’ and ‘incorrect’ points. Methods Controlled trials of semi-permanent auricular acupuncture or acupressure for smoking cessation were systematically located, and the results combined in exploratory meta-analyses which took into account the study quality. Results Thirteen studies were included. Combining ten studies showed auricular acupuncture at ‘correct’ points to be more effective than control interventions, odds ratio 2.24 (95% CI 1.61, 3.10), a result which is confirmed in the four high validity studies. Other analyses showed inconsistent results between all studies and higher quality studies. Comparisons of three higher quality studies suggest that ‘correct’ and ‘incorrect’ point acupuncture is no different (odds ratio 1.22, CI 0.72, 2.07); and two studies showed that ‘incorrect’ point acupuncture may be more effective than other interventions (odds ratio 1.96, CI 1.00, 3.86). Conclusion Auricular acupuncture appears to be effective for smoking cessation, but the effect may not depend on point location. This calls into question the somatotopic model underlying auricular acupuncture and suggests a need to re-evaluate sham controlled studies which have used ‘incorrect’ points. Further experiments are necessary to confirm or refute these observational conclusions.


1999 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian White ◽  
Edzard Ernst

Advocates of auricular acupuncture believe that the internal organs are represented in the concha of the ear and can be affected by needling the appropriate area. These two areas of the body have a common innervation from the vagus nerve. The aim of this randomised, single-blind study was to determine whether stimulation of the ear produced changes in the pulse rate, an indicator of vagal tone. Doctor volunteers were needled in either the vagus area or a control area of the ear, and pulse rate changes were measured over the following 30 minutes. No significant differences were found in the pulse rate changes of the two groups. This study, which was limited in size and in other respects, found no evidence to support the concept that the body is represented on the ear.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (9) ◽  
pp. 38-46
Author(s):  
A. P. Babkin ◽  
A. A. Zuikova ◽  
O. N. Krasnorutskaya ◽  
Yu. A. Kotova ◽  
D. Yu. Bugrimov ◽  
...  

The widespread worldwide spread of acute respiratory diseases is an urgent problem in health care. Expressed polyetiology of respiratory diseases does not allow to limit the use of specific vaccine preparations and dictates the need to use to combat them a variety of non-specific means that stimulate the natural resistance of the human body. The main pharmacological action of sodium deoxyribonucleate is the stimulation of phagocytic activity of T-helpers and T-killers, increasing the functional activity of neutrophils and monocytes/ macrophages, providing regeneration and repair processes in the epithelial component of antiviral protection of the body. Based on the above, the study of the clinical efficacy of Derinat® in the form of spray in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections is relevant.


2020 ◽  
pp. 15-18
Author(s):  
Inna R. Kilmetova ◽  
◽  
Igor A. Rodin ◽  
Nazira I. Khayrullina ◽  
Nikolay G. Fenchenko ◽  
...  

Summary. The disbalanced feeding and the uneven distribution of micro- and macroelements in the environment leads to a trace element, in particular hypomelanosis. To accelerate the growth and preservation of young farm animals include in the diet of various biological additives and drugs, which include selenium. For stimulation of weight gain in the livestock industry, as well as for the prevention and treatment of pathological processes in addition to micro - and macrouse amino acids, primarily methionine. The aim of this work was to study the influence of composition of DAFS-25+Polizon on morpho-biochemical parameters of blood and functional state of the liver in fattening bulls of black-motley breed in the conditions of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Experiments using were conducted on bull-calves of black-motley breed of the properties in the properties age from 6 to 15 months. The first experimental group during the experiment was additionally given the composition of DAFS-25+Polizon at a dose of 2 mg/kg, the animals of the control group received a standard diet. To assess the impact of the composition DAFS-25+Polizon on metabolism cattle studied morphological and biochemical indicators of blood and conducted histological examination of the liver. It is established that the use of the composition of DAFS-25+Polizon at a dose of 2 mg/kg increases the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin in the experimental group and reduces the amount of white blood cells. The serum content of total protein, phosphorus and calcium increases in the group of experimental animals. Microscopic examination of the liver revealed no changes in the structure of the organ and hepatocytes in the experimental group, whereas in the control group hemodynamic disorders and dystrophic changes in liver cells were observed. Thus, the use of the composition DAFS-25+Polizon at a dose of 2 mg/kg of live weight in fattening bulls black-and-white breed contributes to the increase of redox processes in the body, stimulation of metabolism, prevent the development of liver disorders of cellular mechanisms of metabolism, optimizes the structure of the liver, which generally provides higher productivity.


1970 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 325-337
Author(s):  
Carl-Johan Göthe

ABSTRACT The effect of three doses of prednisolone and ACTH respectively on the weight of the body, the lungs and the hilar lymph nodes was studied on rats killed one month after the intratracheal (i.t.) injection of 50 mg of fine-particulate quartz. The prednisolone was administered via the drinking water, and the ACTH was injected intraperitoneally during the period between the i.t. injection of quartz dust and the killing of the animals. Prednisolone causes the rats to become cachectic and reduces the weight of the hilar lymph nodes. It also retards the transport of quartz dust from the lungs via the lymphatics. All these effects increase with increasing doses of prednisolone. However, its effect on the lung weight is insignificant. ACTH does not affect the body weight, but retards the weight increase of the lungs and the hilar lymph nodes. These effects increase with increasing doses of ACTH, and seem to be connected with an ability of ACTH to promote the clearance of quartz dust from the lungs and hilar lymph nodes. The method used, however, does not make it possible to differentiate quantitatively between any ACTH effects on the bronchogenie and lymphatic lung-clearance mechanisms. Available data, however, indicate that the stimulation of the dust transport from the lungs and hilar lymph nodes is, at least to some extent, related to the lymphatic system.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 744-750 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongyang Li ◽  
JingyaWei ◽  
Fengtao Ma ◽  
Qiang Shan ◽  
Duo Gao ◽  
...  

In-depth studies have identified many hormones important for controlling mammary growth and maintaining lactation. One of these is melatonin, which is synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland to regulate circadian rhythms, improve antioxidant capacity, and enhance immunity. Prolactin is secreted by the pituitary gland and is associated with the growth and development of mammary glands as well as initiation and maintenance of lactation. The hypothalamus-pituitary system, the most important endocrine system in the body, regulates prolactin secretion mainly through dopamine released from tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons. This review provides a reference for further study and describes the regulation of lactation and prolactin secretion by melatonin, primarily via the protection and stimulation of tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan A. Shulgach ◽  
Dylan W. Beam ◽  
Ameya C. Nanivadekar ◽  
Derek M. Miller ◽  
Stephanie Fulton ◽  
...  

AbstractDysfunction and diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are a major driver of medical care. The vagus nerve innervates and controls multiple organs of the GI tract and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) could provide a means for affecting GI function and treating disease. However, the vagus nerve also innervates many other organs throughout the body, and off-target effects of VNS could cause major side effects such as changes in blood pressure. In this study, we aimed to achieve selective stimulation of populations of vagal afferents using a multi-contact cuff electrode wrapped around the abdominal trunks of the vagus nerve. Four-contact nerve cuff electrodes were implanted around the dorsal (N = 3) or ventral (N = 3) abdominal vagus nerve in six ferrets, and the response to stimulation was measured via a 32-channel microelectrode array (MEA) inserted into the left or right nodose ganglion. Selectivity was characterized by the ability to evoke responses in MEA channels through one bipolar pair of cuff contacts but not through the other bipolar pair. We demonstrated that it was possible to selectively activate subpopulations of vagal neurons using abdominal VNS. Additionally, we quantified the conduction velocity of evoked responses to determine what types of nerve fibers (i.e., Aδ vs. C) responded to stimulation. We also quantified the spatial organization of evoked responses in the nodose MEA to determine if there is somatotopic organization of the neurons in that ganglion. Finally, we demonstrated in a separate set of three ferrets that stimulation of the abdominal vagus via a four-contact cuff could selectively alter gastric myoelectric activity, suggesting that abdominal VNS can potentially be used to control GI function.


2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 406-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hinemoa Elder

Background: International research identifies indigeneity as a risk factor for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Aotearoa New Zealand studies show that mokopuna (grandchildren; used here to encompass the ages and stages of infant, child and adolescent development and those in young adulthood) are significantly overrepresented in TBI populations. The important role of whānau (family) is also well established in child and adolescent TBI scholarship. Despite awareness of these factors, no studies have been identified that explore whānau knowledge about mokopuna TBI. The aim of this study was to explore two questions: (1) What do Māori people say about mokopuna TBI in the context of the Māori cultural belief that the head is the most sacred part of the body? and (2) How could this information be used to build theory that could inform addressing the rehabilitation needs of this group?Method: Eighteen marae wānanga (culture-specific fora in traditional meeting houses) were held. The wānanga typically lasted approximately 2 hours. Footage and written transcripts were analysed using Rangahau Kaupapa Māori (Māori indigenous research methods).Results: The wairua theory of mokopuna TBI proposes that TBI not only injures brain anatomy and physiology but also injures wairua (defined here as a unique connection between Māori and all aspects of the universe). Injury to wairua means that culturally determined interventions are both indicated and expected. The wairua theory of mokopuna TBI thereby provides a guide to intervention.Conclusion: A Māori theory of mokopuna TBI has been identified which describes a culture-specific aspect of TBI. This theory proposes that pre-existing whānau knowledge salient to TBI is critical to optimising recovery. Further research is needed to test this theory not only in TBI but also in other areas such as in mental illness, neurodegenerative disease and addiction.


1998 ◽  
Vol 26 (03n04) ◽  
pp. 265-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ching-Liang Hsieh ◽  
Tsai-Chung Li ◽  
Chien-Yu Lin ◽  
Nou-Ying Tang ◽  
Qwang-Yuen Chang ◽  
...  

Although acupuncture has traditionally used the acupoints formula to treat diseases, the physiological mechanisms involved and the effectiveness of therapy remain unclear. This study investigated the physiological mechanism(s) and response to acupuncture stimulation using the acupoints formula. Scalp-recorded potentials P300 were evoked by auditory stimulation of non-target and target in 13 normal adult volunteers. Latencies and amplitudes were measured. Three assessments were performed in each subject over a period of at least one week. Each assessment was divided into a control period with no acupuncture stimulation, followed by an acupuncture period and then a post-acupuncture period. Acupuncture needles were inserted into the body as follows: 1) non-acupoint: acupuncture needles were inserted 2 cm lateral to both Zusanli acupoints; 2) acupoint: acupuncture needles were inserted into both Zusanli acupoints; 3) acupoints formula: acupuncture needles were inserted into both Zusanli and Shousanli acupoints. Our results showed that both acupoint and acupoints formula assessments resulted in a significant decrease of P300 amplitudes during the acupuncture and post-acupuncture periods. However, there was significant difference in P300 amplitudes in the non-acupoint assessment during these periods. P300 changes in latencies and amplitudes were not significantly different between the acupoint assessment and the acupoints formula assessment. We concluded that acupuncture stimulation of both Zusanli acupoints resulted in a decrease of P300 amplitudes, suggesting the involvement of the cerebral cortex in sensory interaction when simultaneous sensations of the two types are received. No similar changes were observed in the non-acupoint assessment, which have been suggested to be related to so-called acupoint specificity. Results obtained using the acupoints formula were not significantly different from those using acupoints alone. These findings suggested that neuropsychological effects from stimulation of Zusanli acupoints and Shousanli acupoints are different.


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